Former opener Sadagoppan Ramesh criticises chief selector Ajit Agarkar following Rohit Sharma's match-winning 101 in India's chase against West Indies.
Rohit Sharma scored 101 runs off 75 balls in India's chase of 406 runs against West Indies in the second ODI at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on September 30, 2026. The opening batter notched up his 35th ODI century and formed a 255-run opening stand with Shubman Gill. At 39 years old, Rohit demonstrated significant fitness by fielding for 50 overs before batting to score the match-winning century.
Former Indian opener Sadagoppan Ramesh responded to Rohit's performance with a sharp critique of chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Ramesh highlighted the contrast between Agarkar's reported stance on Rohit's future and the batter's continued excellence on the field.
"Ajit Agarkar was reportedly standing on one leg that Rohit shouldn't be part of the World Cup squad next year, which is why he hasn't got his contract extended. And Rohit keeps proving that age is just a number. It's clear that he has the highest degree of fitness, considering he fielded for 50 overs and then batted long enough to score a century. Agarkar will now be regretting his stance on Rohit's place in the side." Ramesh said.
As per reports, Agarkar wanted Rohit to retire from international cricket after the second ODI against England in July. However, in the last three ODIs, Rohit has slammed two centuries, proving his doubters wrong.
Rohit's match-winning century in Guwahati
The opening batter's performance came against a West Indies attack on a flat pitch at Guwahati. His ability to contribute both in the field and with the bat at this stage of his career has reinforced his value to the Indian team.
Ramesh's assessment of Rohit and Kohli's form
Ramesh opined that there is a healthy competition between Rohit and Virat Kohli, as they are trying to match or better each other's performances in ODI cricket.
"It's a pattern now between Rohit and Virat, where if one scores a century, the other follows suit. There is a healthy competition between the two, and both are batting like wounded tigers. It is no surprise that Rohit smashed a century against such an attack on such a flat pitch. It is clear that he is batting with fury," Ramesh said.